Fortnite Servers Down: What To Expect From The New Update And Star Wars Event

If you are anything like me, you probably got excited to play some Fortnite only to find out the servers are taking a break. On April 22, the game is going through a few hours of downtime. When it comes back online, players can expect some exciting updates. These updates include new skins and some competitive items coming back. We are hearing that Marvel's Thunderbolt characters, iconic Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles villains, and even Jenna Ortega might join Fortnite's cosmetic lineup. Let's get into everything we know about Fortnite v34.40. This includes when it will be down, what new skins are coming, and leaked information.

According to Fortnite's official status tracker on X.com, @FortniteStatus, the 34.40 patch downtime will begin on April 22, 2025, at 4 AM ET. During this time, no Fortnite servers will be available. Players will not be able to join matches or access multiplayer activities. This is always a bummer, but it usually means big things are on the way. I find it is best to use this time to grab a snack or do something else away from the screen.

The exact server closure times depend on where you are and your time zone. So, it is important to check if you want to be ready right when the game comes back. We do not have an exact end time for this planned downtime. However, Epic Games usually tries to schedule server downtime during less busy hours. They also work to finish it as quickly as possible. It is likely Fortnite will be back and ready to play within a few hours. Reputable Fortnite leaker and Epic Games partner @ShiinaBR claims the downtime could be as long as four hours. This means Fortnite will likely be working again sometime between 8 AM ET and 10 AM ET.

Big Changes Coming To Fortnite With The Latest Version 34.40 Update

Prepare For New Skins, Unvaulted Weapons, And A Massive Star Wars Celebration

Fortnite's 34.40 update is not a huge deal for competitive play, but it does bring a ton of new skins and unique cosmetic items. I always look forward to seeing what new outfits I can add to my locker. It sounds like there will be plenty to choose from this time around. These cosmetic updates are often what keep players coming back, even if the core game does not change much. It is fun to customize your character and stand out in the game.

Fortnite players will soon be able to fight in a galaxy far, far away. Fortnite is officially working with the Star Wars franchise to bring those droids you are looking for to the Battle Royale battlefield. The Star Wars X.com account announced this on April 19, 2025. They said it would include new gameplay, cosmetics, and experiences. This sounds like a dream come true for many fans. I know I am ready to jump in and see what they have planned for us.

The collaboration is called "Fortnite Galactic Battle." It is set to arrive on May 2, 2025, right after the 34.40 update. The April 22 patch will likely give us more information about the event. It might even include some sneak peeks. I am always happy when they give us teasers for upcoming events. It builds the hype and gets everyone talking. This is a massive update for players who love both Fortnite and Star Wars. I think it will bring a lot of new energy to the game.

Even though it is minor, Fortnite patch 34.40 includes a few competitive changes. The Shield Breaker EMP and Business Turret have reportedly been put back into the game. The Business Turret locks onto enemies nearby, making it hard to dodge. This means using cover on the map, like bushes and buildings in no-build mode and constructed walls in build mode, will be very important for fighting back. The Shield Breaker EMP will also become a key tool for countering the Business Turret. These changes might seem small, but they can really shift how battles play out. It means players will need to adjust their strategies.

What To Do While Fortnite Servers Are Down For Scheduled Maintenance

Tips For Staying Entertained And Getting Ready For The Game's Return

When Fortnite servers are down, it is the perfect time to do something else. While it is always frustrating when you cannot play your favorite game, these downtimes are necessary for big updates. Instead of constantly checking the Server Status, you could catch up on other games. Or, you could take a break from screens altogether. I find that going for a walk or catching up with friends in person can be a good way to pass the time. It is a forced break that can sometimes be a good thing, even if we do not like it at first.

The best way to keep track of what is happening with Fortnite is through the official Fortnite Status account on X. The development team regularly updates fans on social media. This is the fastest and most reliable way to find out about downtime and other upcoming maintenance. They are usually pretty good about letting us know how long things will last. I make sure to follow them so I am always in the loop. It saves a lot of guessing and frustration.

Usually, downtime lasts about five hours. However, there have been some extreme cases where Epic Games had to extend the downtime for almost 24 hours because of server problems. The longest planned downtime lasted 36 hours back in 2019 during the infamous "The Blackout" live event. This was a wild time for players. I remember everyone was trying to figure out what was going on. While those extended downtimes are rare, it is good to know they can happen. Hopefully, this current update will go smoothly and quickly.

Why Fortnite Updates Are So Important And What It Means For Player Activity

How New Content Keeps The Game Fresh And What Happens When Servers Return

Fortnite's player count usually goes up during updates. The April 22 patch will likely be no different. Players might notice faster queue times and more crowded lobbies. This is because everyone is eager to check out the new content. It is always a good idea to jump in quickly after an update. You get to see everything first and experience the fresh changes with a lot of other excited players. I often find the first few days after a big update are some of the most fun to play.

The fact that Epic started talking about this Star Wars season earlier than usual shows how big of a deal it is. They typically do not reveal a new season until the week it launches. Announcing it two weeks ahead at Star Wars Celebration in Japan built a lot of excitement. While you are waiting for the downtime to end, you can read up on what to expect in the new season. This includes map changes, new weapons, and the battle pass lineup. Knowing what is coming makes the wait a little easier.

When Fortnite's servers do come back online, the Star Wars takeover will begin right away in both Battle Royale and Lego Fortnite. There will be a new battle pass full of Star Wars skins. There will also be a new Lego Pass with Star Wars builds and a Captain Phasma skin. We can also expect some new items in the shop. For those who do not care about May the 4th, other Epic-made modes like Reload and OG will keep doing their own thing. They will not have Star Wars content unless players wear the skins. This ensures there is something for everyone. It is a good way to keep the game appealing to different kinds of players.